Messi event row: govt. may order probe

The State government is considering ordering an investigation into the alleged irregularities and procedural mistakes made by the previous LDF government when attempting to bring football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to the region. Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh suggested on Wednesday that the previous administration's defense of the proposal was without merit and claimed that government resources were exploited to benefit a private entity.

Mr. Janeesh pointed out that there was no proof of financial loss incurred by the government due to the proposed event and alleged that the necessary procedures were not followed from the outset, and there was a lack of transparency in selecting the sponsor and handling the proposal. He claimed that government officials, from the Chief Secretary to the District Collector, police, and Greater Cochin Development Authority, were used to facilitate the event for a private party.

Mr. Janeesh stated that this misuse of government machinery allowed a private company to gain significant financial benefits, making it unreasonable to argue that the government had not incurred any losses.